On Thursday, Russia's Foreign Ministry issued a formal statement expressing its support for Cuba following a significant vote at the UN General Assembly regarding the U.S. embargo. The outcome marked the most unfavorable result for Havana in the 34 years the resolution has been presented.
Moscow labeled the embargo as "illegal and inhumane," demanding its "swift, complete, and unconditional" removal, while asserting that numerous nations faced "pressure and blackmail" to withhold support for the resolution.
"We are aware that this time many countries were subjected to intense pressure and blackmail to prevent them from backing this resolution. Nevertheless, the vote once again highlighted the international community's rejection of Washington's unilateral coercive measures," stated the Russian Foreign Ministry.
The statement, also shared on the Foreign Ministry's official Telegram channel, condemned what Moscow described as an "aggressive energy blockade" that has driven Cuban citizens to the brink of survival. It claimed that Washington's aim is to "destabilize the internal political situation, force a change in government, and impose an externally designed path of development on the Cuban people."
The declaration concluded with a message of solidarity: "We admire the resilience and courage of the Cuban government and people," affirming that "Russia will always stand shoulder to shoulder with Cuba."
The Russian support follows a historic turning point in the voting process: Resolution A/81/L.5 was approved on Wednesday with 130 votes in favor, 17 against, and 25 abstentions, a stark contrast to the 165 endorsements in 2025 and 187 in 2024. The cumulative decline over two years exceeds 57 favorable votes.
Among the 17 countries opposing the resolution were the United States, Israel, and Latin American nations such as Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Paraguay. Notably, Colombia voted against for the first time, reversing its supportive stance from 2025.
Despite the diplomatic setback, Miguel Díaz-Canel described the result as a "victory" during a visit to the William Soler University Pediatric Hospital in Havana.
Vasili Nebenzia, Russia's permanent representative to the UN, had addressed the assembly on Monday before the vote, linking Moscow's stance to the sovereignty principles of the UN Charter and urging the removal of Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Moscow's backing comes amid an active but practically challenged bilateral relationship: in 2026, a Russian ship carrying 251,000 barrels of diesel was stranded in the Atlantic for weeks, unable to reach Cuba due to sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom.
It's important to note that the General Assembly's resolution is not legally binding; it neither lifts nor modifies the embargo, the removal of which rests solely with the U.S. Congress, making its impact largely political and symbolic.
Frequently Asked Questions about the UN Embargo Vote
What was the outcome of the recent UN vote on the U.S. embargo against Cuba?
The resolution was approved with 130 votes in favor, 17 against, and 25 abstentions, marking a significant shift from previous years.
How did Russia respond to the UN vote on the embargo?
Russia issued a statement condemning the embargo as illegal and inhumane, urging its removal and expressing solidarity with Cuba.
Is the UN General Assembly resolution on the embargo legally binding?
No, the resolution is not legally binding and does not alter the embargo, which can only be changed by the U.S. Congress.